Jack in the Box Just Reinvented A Regional Classic

Every city has a fervent sense of ownership over their regional foods. I’m from Minnesota so mine pokes its head out when the Juicy Lucy (a burger made by cooking the cheese between two patties of meat) is brought up. Thankfully the Juicy Lucy isn’t a well-traveled dish, so I don’t have to worry about it getting adopted (and potentially butchered) by anyone way out here in Los Angeles.

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Larger regional classics aren’t as lucky, though. Jack in the Box is throwing their hat in the ring by bringing an East coast staple, the Philly cheesesteak, to their restaurants across the country. Jack in the Box invited me down to their headquarters in San Diego to check out their take on the Philly cheesesteak. So let’s talk about it.

Jack in the Box’s Take On A Classic

If I can stress one thing about Jack in the Box’s new product launch is that it’s their take on the classic. They’re not here to try to topple any established Philly cheesesteak powerhouses out there. It’s a faithful recreation that’s adapted for a fast-food environment.

Inside Jack in the Box’s version, you’ll find expected characters: grilled & seasoned shaved-steak, melty cheese, grilled onions, and peppers. All that’s stuffed into a soft, buttered, and toasted hoagie roll.

Each ingredient has its own twist. Instead of the expected Cheez Whiz, you get Swiss-style cheese. The peppers are a sweet bell pepper instead of a hot pepper. Jack in the Box also adds a bit of mayo so things don’t dry out on us. The result is a Philly classic―Jack’s way.

Value Is The Goal

According to Natalie Neyman, Jack in the Box’s senior director for product marketing and menu, the whole goal of the Philly cheesesteak is to give a satisfying meal at a good value. The cheesesteak itself starts at $11.99. As you’d expect, it can be added to a Jack’s Munchie Meal which includes two tacos, an entree, curly fries, and a drink. The Munchie Meal typically costs $13-14 and it will cost an extra $2 to upgrade to the Philly cheesesteak.

Jack in the Box is also launching a Philly-Style Bonus Jack alongside the cheesesteak. This takes their burger and adds in the same peppers, onions, and cheese that the cheesesteak is made with. You get the same flavors at a much cheaper price ($4.99).

Jack in the Box’s new Philly cheesesteak sandwich and Philly-Style Bonus Jack are both available now through September. As for specifics on what I thought about the taste, you’ll just have to wait and find out!